botanistix

Italian Fall and Orchid's Care

2011-10-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Happy Fall to you!
Italy was wonderful. Rome was bustling and enjoyable as any major city but the jewel was our Umbrian home. We toured daily and returned to our home late afternoon to enjoy the day's most recent wine purchases on the beautiful patio overlooking the hills of Umbria. Whats not to love? I think vacations out of our wonderful country really increase the appreciation of everything American upon the return. There is nothing like coming home and our country, even with all of its challenges, is very special.

I have been hearing from alot of you about the state of your orchids and what to do with them.
Those in the North have brought the orchids inside for sure now. When I was in NJ, I let mine winter on cookie sheets with pebbles thinly spread out and the pots on top of the pebbles with water beneath to create moisture. This became most important from Jan through March. Of course, checking for white fly and other bugs is a continual thing up North in the winter. Hopefully, the Phalenopsis have set their buds by the cool weather you have already experienced..whether you left them outside or left a window nearby open for them- they need that cool, even here in Florida to set the bud to eventually bloom. You should be enjoying a late winter's bloom if it all went as planned- don't be afraid to use a little bloom booster. However, your fertilizer schedule is much less than what is below for those in Florida.

Those of us here in Florida are quite spoiled when it comes to our preparation to get the orchids to bloom. They have spent the entire summer outside enjoying the humidity and frequent downpours nature had to offer. Now that we have cooled off, our Phalenopsis are setting their blooms and I am starting their bloom booster, 1/2 strength, 3-4 x month. Sounds like alot, but really all of the care I give them, is this time of year and if I miss a week, its not as though they are not going to bloom. If I did nothing, they would just bloom later in the season.
I am treating the orchids I attached to my palm trees(by panty hose) as well. I cup my hands under the roots and try to moisten them. Most of them have attached themselves to the trees after our wet summer. Attached to the tree or in a pot, they all like a little libation to make them become something special.

While I was fertilizing this weekend, I came upon a very long, thin, textured thing behind some shrubs. I quickly decided it was a snakeskin! My husband has repeatedly offered to have me take a look the ones he finds in the garden...no thanks. Apparently, they like to find a tight, shrubbish area so they can disrobe, so to speak, and move on. Creepy! That is the one advantage I can find to living in a high rise- no snakes!

"A weed is merely a plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered" Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until next time...Christi

carrots, garlic & snakes

2011-09-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I enjoyed summer so much. I was in NY for the Gift show sourcing all kinds of unusual things for my Botanistix. Of course, I made it to the Union Square Farmers Market, a personal favorite of mine for many years. Look at the beautiful table of carrots! Staying in a hotel, I barley bought anything except wonderful garlic. I bought 6 fabulous heads and I am enjoying them immensely, clove by clove. At a $1.75/head, they are worth every penny. There is such a difference with really fresh garlic. The cloves actually drip on my cutting board. Amazing.
How beautiful is this carrot display? There is such a great vibe at a good market. People are relaxed. They are trying to decide which piece of fruit is the one that will end up in their kitchen. At that moment, its a very important decision. You can hear couples saying, "no, I think this one is better." If you love selection and find food in quantity as pretty as art, the Union Square Markets area must see on a trip to Manhattan... and feel free to bring me some garlic!
I will be in Italy this month and I have already sourced the location of the markets. I will attend multiples, I am sure...photos to follow!

I had a surprise the other day on a relaxing Saturday as I brought the newspapers in and was on the phone with my husband who was out of town. I reached my front door area and from one of my large pots jumped a baby black snake! And there he was flailing in front of me on my beautiful doormat! I am screaming into the phone and my heart is beating like crazy! Every time I moved, he moved, so creepy. Of course, After I got inside I had to photograph him- see him on the right side 1/2 way up? Admittedly, he looks small, but he moved about 8" each time just by propelling his body forward. He was in my planter that I had just trimmed back the week before! I had my hands all over it...scary. Welcome to Florida!

I have also been enjoying the quiet before the storm here in Naples. The quiet is of course is summer and the storm is the return of the snowbirds. Our town becomes a 10- 15 minute town- you can get anywhere in 15 minutes here in summer- not so during the season. The same is true with restaurants and no reservations. However, after all of the quiet, we look forward to the hubbub of season. Its already mid Sept and I see more out of town license plates. Soon, it will be buzzing here.

My dendrobium orchids that I have planted on my trees ( with pantyhose to attach them) are really in full regalia. This photo does not do it justice. So, I am getting beautiful color from the house. Love it!

Its not perfect living anywhere. I really do hate snakes, cannot even look at them on TV. HOWEVER,
my little guy, and his mother ( oh, God, where is she?) really do eat alot of our Florida critters, or so I am told. I am going with that. That glass is 1/2 full!

Anyone who loves their garden can relate to the following quote.

Half the interest of a garden is the constant exercise of the imagination. ~Mrs. C.W. Earle, Pot-Pourri from a Surrey Garden, 1897 (Thanks, Jessica)

until next time...Christi

2011-07-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hi While all of the US is in heatwave mode, we are expecting babies. Of course I am talking about the family of Doves that settled into one of my extra hanging, wooden orchid pots. Papa has been protectively dive bombing me and Mama just stares intently as I walk the dog under the tree. Here you can see her one eye staring at me. Ahhh, nature at its best!

Today, I panty- hosed ( with blue no less, who gave me those?) 3 more Dendrobiums orchids to my trees in

hopes of seeing some very pretty blossoms in the Fall. Its always a conundrum on the best tree to choose.

Light, sun and access to sprinkler system is the key to longterm success. Since the sun is always moving it

sounds easier than it sometimes is. More to follow.

Onto food! Last night I made "Connie's white clam sauce" for friends here. Quite wonderful. I can say that

because no matter how many times I make the dish, it is always Connie's recipe, so she gets the compliments!

Other friends brought a great gazpacho ( a version of Ina's recipe) and an baby arrugala & heirloom tomato

salad. For dessert I did chocolate covered frozen

bannana pieces which were likesmall ice cream bites & biscotti, chocolate of course.
Hope you are all grilling & cooking up some good

summer times.

Great gardening quote...

You can bury alot of troubles digging in the dirt....Isn't that the truth!

Enjoy the last half of summer and all of its wonderful fruits, tomatoes, corn & flowers

Oh that little vase.....

2011-06-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am that person who sees the perfect blossom in the garden and wants to put it immediately in the kitchen. In NJ, I had to have the fragrance of the roses, the texture of the peonies or the hydrangea and the arrangement needed to greet me personally, each time I came into the kitchen. Fast forward to now, I have many choices of flowers, but few have the real "fragrance" I just spoke of. However, in exchange for giving the fragrance up, I now have flowers 12 months of the year. Not a bad trade, even for flower addicted me.

I recently discovered, I am a small vase collector. I have them is all shapes, sizes, colors & heights. It is my favorite gift to give as a hostess gift. I guarantee the gift I give, is also one I own, in my overstuffed closet. When I am out of town, it is such a special and easy trinket to pick up. Many of my vases have a story attached to them, which I also love. Most times it takes me back to where ever I traveled to or with and I love that aspect of collecting. When we were in Venice I was on Venetian glass overload. However, the morning we were leaving, I decided to buy one of the thousands on the street I had been seeing for days. Of course now, I am so happy I chose to buy it, as I use it so frequently. The vase is between a deep eggplant and a purple shade. The colors of whatever flowers I put in there just pop.

When I replant orchids, which I recently did, I end up with many single stalks of orchids. They last so long as a cut flower. In my kitchen, I have a large area in front of the sink which is always graced with something...an orchid plant or fresh stalks of something from outside or the market. I think it distracts me from the activity at hand- literally! Last weekend I was trimming a flowering potted plant and as I was finished, I could not throw the flowering pieces away. So, for 4 days I had a great arrangement on my outdoor table. It smiled at me each time I passed by.

Each summer in NJ, I planted mint of some kind. Inevitably, the plant went wild overpowering all others, much like a ground cover. I started using it as a 'filler' green to my small arrangements that I picked from my yard. FYI, mint in the house smells amazingly fresh. Its perfect in a small vase all by itself....and that bright green just makes you smile.

I have been researching gardening quotes and some of them are quite funny and thought provoking. So each week I plan to have quote to share with you. If you have a great one, please share it.

"In gardens, beauty is a by-product. The main business is sex and death." ~ Sam Llewelyn So true!

Happy Summer!

2011-06-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Its officially Summer. Watching the weather maps everywhere, it looks as though Spring went by in a wink as Summer arrived with the grace of Kramer! 90 degrees and muggy. Well, spices love that weather. If you haven't done it yet, its time to get planting the herbs. Find an attractive pot that also enjoys the sun and get cooking. Mine were a casualty of the outdoor painting project. When they were cleaning my neighbor's roof some of the clorox solution made a beeline for the spice bike, so I had to throw them away until the Fall. Summer is not the best time to be growing herbs here anyway. Its really way too hot. This was my best year growing herbs. I finally realized that our full sun, even in winter is way too much for them. I gave them morning sun only and they looked great all winter.

Due to our heat, we cannot grow French Tarragon here, which I love. We get something called Mexican Tarragon which is similar but different. Its like comparing the up north grass which is so soft, to the Florida grass which is..so, not soft. I am going to try to plant it anyway in the ground here as I did the rosemary. I will learn to like it, exactly like I did dark chocolate. Which I now love! Our landscaper was surprised to know the rosemary has lasted 4 years in the ground and it needs to be cut back regularly. I suppose the lesson here is if something flourishes, its happy, so we should try to embrace it.

Someone just gave me a cutting from a lemon grass plant. I have been letting it establish itself in the ground. I haven't used any yet, but I am told its wonderful in soups. Do any of you use it?

Since the subject is herbs, I have to share with you a great friend's gift for me this year. Herb shears. When you cut, its as though you are using 5 pairs of scissors at once They chiffonade basil beautifully. That is the only herb I have now, basil. It cannot be summer with out basil!

Recently, I have been a shut-in. Just me and the computer working on the final details of the new Botanistix website. I hope to be live next week so I can go back to doing what I love, not just writing about it. I will let you know soon.

The trip appeared to be very simple...

2011-05-11T16:15:00.002-07:00

  Last weekend I went to Orlando to attend a wholesale jewelry & gem show. I was excited to search for new findings for my Botanistix and Napkin Twists. No one told me the love bugs were out en force! We had to stop 5 times to wipe the windshield just so we could see! It was the most disgusting, smelly time I can remember! Each time we stopped, it was as though we had grown hair on the front grill, that smelled! Beware, they are here and hopefully they will be gone by the end of the month.

  The show was great and I was able to find new pieces to compliment Botanistix Stakes as well as the Napkin Twists. Amazingly, the love bugs were much better on the return trip. Not gone, but better.

Our weather here is dry & hot right now. My orchids attached to the trees are very dry as well. I have added wet sphagnum moss to each one. It is easy to wet the moss which, in turn will keep the roots moist for longer than just wetting the roots themselves. Chances are they would weather the dryness, but why let them stress themselves? Conversely, when the temps get into the 40s ( which seems like a very distant memory right now!) I usually wrap a pillowcase around them overnight. It is important to never use plastic as it smothers them. The orchid isn't going to die but, if it was you buddy out there, at the very least, you would throw out a jacket for him, right? Same line of thinking.

  Our home's exterior is in the process of being painted this week. Wow, who knew how much we had attached to the house that needed to come down. I can hardly wait to put it all back together again!
I have to say, my wonderful orchid Gram. scriptum looks great in the living room. However, in full bloom now, if someone were to sit next to it, Gram. scriptum would be massaging their face. Needless to say, cannot wait to get all of this stuff back outside! This too shall pass!

Everything is coming up orchids at Easter!

2011-04-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

  Its beginning to look alot like paradise here! All of the orchids that were too cold to bloom this winter, are blooming a little late. How perfect because its Easter and it just gives everything a little more beauty. Its really the weather here in Florida that orchids love. Although, I do like to take some credit other than the stellar photography...... haha!
  I find the Vanda Orchid here at the left, more difficult to bring back every year. They need daily watering and frequent feeding. I am not as diligent as I should be, but I seem to have picked a compliant Vanda who wants to please me. How great for me...making me look really good!
  The others are Phalaenopsis and are easier to return to bloom each year. These are the first I have ever attached to a tree. I attach them with good old pantyhose in May. After the summer rains, they are attached to the tree and we no longer have the see the pantyhose. After this summer, I can take that off.
  I hope you all have a great Easter. Ours is already wonderful, as we have alot of family in town. Enjoy!

Yellow Phalaenopsis on palm tree

New & Exciting!

2011-04-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

  I have to share the most unusual orchid I have ever owned. Its called Gram. scriptum & the color I have is leopard. The first 2 photos are in week 1. Why its called leopard is very evident. The background color is very green as it appears in the photo. In just a week, the amount the plant has opened and the second stalk has grown, is amazing. It enjoys am sun only. I give it sun about every other day with lots of water- guess that is why it is growing so much. It should last several months. We are coming into our very warm season, so that may vary slightly.
  This would be a great orchid to have in the northeast now. It would open slowly due to your cooler weather and then in Aug the second stalk would progress more quickly. Then next Fall, you would need to give it to me because I am sure it would be happier here than in any of your indoor homes! Ha!!! It is supposed to be fairly straight forward to return it to bloom next spring. I will keep you posted on that subject.
  I am on the lookout for the new & unusual orchids this year.
hopefully, this is the first of many. If you have any that you would like me to investigate, please send me photo. It will be our little "science project."

I am back!!!!!

2011-03-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hi
Life has been crazy busy here in Naples this season. No complaints.
Botanistix was fortunate to be included in 'Naples Illustrated' Magazine in the March issue. It took alot of perseverance but it was well worth it. I would include the url for you all to check it out, but of the 5 companies photographed on the page, only 3 made the online version and Botanistix was not one of them.
I have had alot of added interest & orders which I am very happy about.
I am working with a new orchid vendor for all of my shipping (with Botanistix) and I hope to start including new, more unusual orchids for you to see. Next week I will photograph my newest and is it ever WOW! It can take a fair amount of sun and lasts about 4 months..very different. Stay tuned!

I was one of the participants in a new gallery opening last month, The Sultan Gallery in Bonita Springs.
I had a wonderful response to the pots as well as the Botanistix.
For all of you who remember me talking about my clivia plant which I put in the wine cellar for 3 weeks in the Fall... well, I gave it to my good pal in NC, Debbie while they were just here. They drove it home to bond with her clivia. I said I will let it bloom a few times in NC and then it comes back here and hopefully, it will do the same. Kind of the same theory I am using on our new dog Jake...look at the other dogs and do the same thing- oh, no he is an original...I think they are all starting to wear me down!!!
Happy to be back!!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
  In the new year I prefer to have 'revelations' not resolutions. I want an idea to really come to me as an ah ha moment. Then I know something needs to be changed and most times in that moment, I know how to approach it. So, for all of us, I hope whatever we want to improve this year we have or develop the tools to do so. I hope we are mindful enough to recognize those moments as well. That is something we are all guilty of in our rush, rush world. We are a work in progress!
  Now, back the pretty things in life!
I want to focus on how to make an arrangement work for a long time. In these photos the one on the right was in the foyer from late Sept. When it came time for Christmas, I changed the fill from coco palm to moss and it takes on a different look. Such an easy thing, for so much effect. I also slipped in one of the amaryllis and a small poinsettia and suddenly, its a holiday arrangement. The filler plant of the zebra works with anything. Having a great floral display does not need to be a lot of maintenance.
In the second photo, Ed Miller, a local floral designer braids palm fronds. He has offered to teach us for one of our 'girls ' get togethers . He says they dry beautifully, so there will be more uses for these clever braided fronds. I think they look great. they really add a great texture to the overall arrangement.
  I will be attending the Atlanta Gift Show next week. I will see you after that.

See you in 2011!

2010-12-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

Merry, merry!!!

   I hope you are all feeling that way and not on overload yet. Botanistix has been busy participating in fundraisers and Holiday shows here in Naples. Now I am beginning to think of what foods I will be
serving, shopping lists, grocery lists and suddenly, my lists have lists! I know all of us are going through
this, so lets hold on because 2 weeks from Sat, it will be 2011. If we can make it for 2 more weeks, we can relax into the slow slumber of winter. However, that really doesn't apply to those of us in Southern Florida. Jan begins high 'season' here and things will be humming with all of the seasonal renters looking to escape the weather of their hometowns.
   We, like all of you have been having very cold temperatures (its all relative!) and our farmers have really been struggling so early in the season. We had a freeze in SW Fla 2 days this week and several last week. This is not a good a omen for winter 2011. Its all out of our control.
   Have a wonderful holiday season. I love your frequent questions & comments and look forward to continuing with them and you in the new year. Below are some of the plants used as display for the Holiday shows. See you in 2011!

Orchid Digression

2010-11-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

   Hello,
   I will digress from the loved orchids this week because they are not very Thanksgiving- ish.
I, like all of you are scurrying around trying to beat the traffic in the stores as well as on the roads to find the correct spice or whatever to go with a dish I have never made before. I like to try new things on my guests. Its not as though anything has ever been that bad that we couldn't eat it. Rather, I evaluate it by the taste vs. the effort as to will I ever make it again. Most times I consider it a success.
   My Fall arrangement is now at the entrance to the Family Room. I have added sunflowers which is very

"Florida Fall." They were at several of the Farmers Markets yesterday, so, how could I resist? The arrangement is seen from all sides so I added a straw squirrel( who spends 11 months in a closet but come Fall, he fits right in!) at the back of the horn of plenty and he looks so adorable! I think I need to get a real dog..I am beginning to think straw animals are attractive. Speaking of which, we are in talks and have been 'approved' to rescue a dog. Its been nearly 3 months without a dog in this house- that has got to end!
We will be enjoying 15 for dinner and a few more for dessert later. It all seems to taste better the next day, don't you agree? Then we rest!
Have a great Thanksgiving.

Its time for Fall

2010-11-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

   Does anyone really know what time it is? Does anyone really care? Of course I am digressing into a CHICAGO pop culture hit of the 70's but truly after the time change, none of the clocks well, lets just say all day today, I had no idea what time it really was. Thankfully, it was Sunday. On to the next day!
   I hear the weather across the east was chilly, as was ours. We awoke to the 45 degree temps which is chilly for Nov. in SW Fla. However, the most spectacular day temperatures come out of the cool weather which is a huge bonus here. The orchids do not care to be in the 40's (except for the phalaenopsis to kick start reblooming in certain locals.) Best of luck to Ali Garcia/Wilson who is running the NY Marathon today..looks like some good
running weather.
   I am throwing some fun 'regular' plants in with the orchids to make some great orchid arrangements. I am using fiddlehead ferns which have a great curl to the stem and look so interesting. As well as the zebra plant. Its a large leaf w/ great stripes & very dark foliage, a great compliment. Its all about mixing it up and of course the mix of Botanistix as well.
   I am not seeing any amaryllis bulbs here yet. Are any of you? I think its definitely the correct time. I am on the hunt. If you found it @ a large store or chain store please let me know.
   The cool weather spurred me onto make a fall arrangement in my kitchen. It turned out great. I took "Martha's" advice and glittered the stem of some of my pumpkins and gourds. Very festive & fun. Botanistix is a jeweled accompaniment to plants/orchids, why not our Fall gourds? Have a great week!

Fish Emulsion, Fertilizing & Fun

2010-10-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

When I was in NJ, I was very faithful to my fertilizers. Why not, I only had to do it for 3-4 months/year. Here in Florida, its a full time job, so I am not as diligent as I perhaps I should be. I have become a big fan of Fish Emulsion, which I use more frequently that fertilizer. Fish emulsion is more like eating a "power bar" after a good workout than say, lunch. In very layman terms, it concentrates into the plant (orchid or herbs) quickly but not necessarily with the same depth that a fertilizer would do. If you are over zealous, it probably will not kill the plant as over fertilizing can do.
The other thing that works great is manure. I use organic because there in no smell. However, our landscapers use the other and it stinks. You can really notice the difference in a week or so. Its really amazing. This is a our Bird of Paradise about 2 weeks after the manure- Its going crazy. Its great color, its orange and of course, its so Halloween!
I just ordered garlic online from www.gourmetgarlicgardens .com After a nice conversation with 'Bob' in Bangs, Tx about planting/growing/harvesting garlic in SW Florida, I decided to give it a try. Not surprisingly, there are many that will not work with our climate here. While in NY this summer, I bought some great garlic at the farmers market that I have been coveting- using it only for special things. How crazy is that? So, now I am going to try some Creole which should have some nice spice to it. It will be fun to try it here. Stay tuned!

Happy Halloween!!! Go Have some Fun!!

Breast Cancer Botanistix & Holiday Orchid Sticks with interesting Plants

2010-10-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

  Hello!
   I am running a tad late as I had lasix dual eye surgery yesterday. So far I am without glasses. I am so excited. I see close as well as far. It will continue to get better. Yahoo!.. but I am still looking for the glasses just from habit.
     I am loving the ever increasing attention Breast Cancer Fundraising is getting each year especially here in Naples. Of course we had to have a Botanistix commemorating Breast Cancer.

The new Botanistix can be used in the many great holiday plants- Christmas cactus, poinsettia, and the ever elegant amaryllis. Amaryllis is one of the most dramatic holiday plants. Unfortunately, its actually one of the least given as gifts- why? Not sure. Amaryllis can be purchased with the bulb already planted and 'soon to bloom' or as a bulb that you need to plant when the timing is right. Either way, talk about instant gratification. They grow so quickly, if you really had nothing to do, you could watch them grow. Also they are a sturdy bloom, not at all delicate, so how convenient when the dog knocks it over with his tail. If the stalk breaks, just put it in water as you would any flower. Each bulb puts off several flower stalks. And they look stunning with a Botanistix. I will photograph mine. So step out of your comfort zone and buy an Amaryllis this holiday season and send me a photo.

Since I don't have my Amaryllis plants yet I am showing this to you on- what else? The ever prevalent in the 'Lavoy' household- an orchid.

You get the idea.

LIFE REALLY IS TOO SHORT TO STAKE YOU ORCHID WITH A SIMPLE WOODEN STICK!!

Orchid pots

2010-10-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

  I have been photographing things for the website today. Something that always takes alot of effort on my part. Botanistix is now selling wonderful pots that I have finished in a smoky patina. The finish on the terra-cotta pot is as if it has been weathering in the garden for years. I love that. Quite opposite, with very clean lines, I also really like the sophistication of the grey-ish one.. I put feet on the pots as well. I really think generally, most plants look better in a footed pot. Orchids really show their elegance in a footed pot. I have a shelved area in the garage dedicated to all of my pots. Its the ultimate accessory, perhaps like our shoes!! ha!
   Tomorrow, I am off to a wonderful orchid sale. I am always on the hunt for something new and unique. I guess its a lot like life. We need to keep it interesting, right?
   Go Bucks!!!

Bromiliads, Orchids & more!

2010-10-08T12:10:00.001-07:00

Hi,

We, here in Naples have moved into "Spring"temps- cool am/pm and bright sunny days. Lovely.

This year I have stopped trying to have "up north" plants in Florida. I am embracing what consistently grows well. So, now I am enjoying all of the different Bromeliads. They add alot of color, texture and many even flower. They do extremely well indoors and give long lasting color. Unusual for most plants, the Bromeliad's watering is done only in the center cup, that also makes it a very easy plant. I am told they get nutrients from what is in the air. No, I am not an expert yet! My friend Rachel who is an ambitious gardener, planted her bromeliads on the bark of her palm trees. It looked so wonderful, I told her I was definitely stealing that idea. Thus the photo! It is hard to see but there are many different textures which makes it so much more interesting. I also have some orchids tucked in as well. Lets just see what works. I am curious to know how long it will take them to actually attach themselves to the tree bark. Now I have something beautiful to see outside the Kitchen window!
My Clivia plant is still in the wine cellar.. this week I gave it just a little water- much like you would do if you were "wintering over" your plants in a cellar. Stay tuned.
Enjoy, wherever you are!

Fall Orchids, Brutus and the Bobcat

2010-09-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hi,

For all of my Northern pals, your Phalenopsis orchids, (the one with the longer leaves) really need to catch some of that evening Fall air to be able to "set the bloom." That can mean leaving them by a cracked open window or actually leaving them outside. They do not want to be outside in 45 degree weather but they will appreciate the high 40's to accomplish this task. I am going through a similar situation with my Clivia plant. I just learned it needs about 2 weeks of below 50 degrees to set the bloom as well. That explains why it has not bloomed in 3 seasons. It bloomed beautifully as you see here. However, it had already set the bloom in NJ when we transported it to Naples. I like to think I am smarted than my plants, so last week I threw the Clivia in the wine cellar. No, its not below 50 degrees but its alot cooler that any weather they will experience here for quite some time. If it works, he is allowed to stay, if not, I am kissing him goodbye by next summer. I will keep you updated on that.
For all of my OSU pals, I have to comment on the OU Bobcat attack on OSU's Brutus. When I read in the paper that the OU Bobcat got the job just so he could tackle Brutus (something he had wanted to do his whole life) I thought that was the funniest thing I had ever heard. Go figure. We all have aspirations. Reality really is stranger than fiction!

2010-09-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

   Hello
   I have been away. First to get away from the August heat, we ran to NJ and enjoyed it all, heirloom tomatoes, great corn and cooler than Fl. temps. Unfortunately and very unforeseen, we had to put our wonderful Maltese, Bogey down while on the trip. We had him for 2 extra weeks and he was happy to frolic in the Cape Cod grass and enjoy more 'people' food (chicken/rice) and he loved it all. We have wonderful memories of our little boy during that precious time .
  I attended the New York International Gift Show and architectural details of all kinds, were the order of season. From jewelry to home accessories, large statement pieces were everywhere. It started in handbags a few years ago with all of the hardware detail well now expect to see it in the most obscure places. Jewelry was quite large and sculpture-like in nature. I liked it, unusual from what we have seen. I felt the same way with the accessories. Imagine Mary Tyler Moore's 'M' as a large focal piece in her living room. It can be interesting and fun.
   The other trend I noticed while in NY is the terrarium craze. Succulents work wonderfully for this purpose, they don't need much daily care and they offer wonderful texture next to the different mosses. I think people want to care for, nurture and see results from their efforts and terrariums are a wonderful answer.
   I am back and you will be hearing from me regularly now. Happy Fall!

Orchids, orchids and more orchids!

2010-08-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

2Hi.
I keep getting so many orchid questions. I hope this will help.
I love them, I have-- I don't know how many, but they have always brought me much joy. In NJ the smallest bud would make my day! Here in SW Fl. I am convinced it is the conditions not the love, that brings them back again and again. Whatever, I look like a rock star orchid grower and that I love!! Lets start.
1. Watering- I never water until I put my finger in and the container is DRY. Most people OVERWATER. "I water once a week"- I always hear that. No watering until the finger says its dry.
Sometimes its 2 weeks. I have had moss in the container ( which I hate because its so hard to really believe it might not need water) and gone 3 weeks between watering! Now you can see how a once a week habitual watering can kill a plant- that never needed watering in the first place. I cannot stress that enough.
2. Fertilizer-Up North only during the growth periods and they should rest in Winter as they regroup. I fertilize with a nitrogen 20% or less - the source is Nitrate Nitrogen or Ammoniacal Nitrogen.
Never when the pot is dry as you will burn the root system- always when they are moist.
3. Light- this is tricky up North. I did give mine direct Winter, interior sun but never, outdoor direct sun. They need different levels of light but to generalize, direct summer sun is never good. They love the outdoor humidity that summer brings, even if its behind a tree or bush so much better that being inside.
These are the 3 most important things anyone can do to make themselves an orchid 'mommy.'
They are the quietest of any child you will ever have and bring you so much beauty. How can you loose?
These are my top 3 orchid starter guidelines. You can go quite far on this information.

Happy Hot Friday!

2010-07-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

We are preparing for 2-4" of rain which we desperately need. We seem to either be deluged with rain or begging for it. Whatever happened the the late day, heat-inspired, quick downpour?
If only that were my biggest complaint in life, right?
I have to share with you a new TV show that I am LOL all the while I am watching it- 'Hot in Cleveland'
Betty White is @ her MTMoore best, she is so funny and she still has such comedic talent. The others, Valerie
Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendy Malik are so good and together the four of them have such chemistry. I encourage you to laugh with them for a half hour on Wed's @ 10 Pm on TVLand. If you did't catch Betty White on SNL she was hysterical. I am so glad to see her, at 87 and 1/2 (we revert to the kids method of counting our age after a certain point!) kicking it up and entertaining us from everywhere! We should all be so lucky at 87 and 1/2!
I am preparing to be away until mid Sept. So now I am really into organizing. First it was the office desk drawers, yesterday the kitchen desk, the dreaded junk drawer and my husbands closet. It is very unusual living here as I have said before, summer is more of a quiet time where we do more things inside due to the heat. We speak in terms of 'the season.' When I return, I will be busy planting flowers and making everything look nice for 'the season.' We have cut back many of our big shrubs and Hibiscus so when they come back they will look good for, you guessed it, 'the season.' During 'the season' everyone just complains about how busy they are, how crazy the traffic is,and how happy they are to be missing the weather 'up north!' That's really why we are here!
Have a great weekend!

Summer Days

2010-07-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

In Florida's summertime most of the cooking is done outdoors on the grill but I was in the mood for linguini and white clam sauce so I rounded up some friends, lowered the A/C and cooked entirely in the kitchen. In addition to the the white clam sauce, we had a refreshing salad with a mango/lime dressing that was so summery. The garlic bread was on a great crusty multigrain loaf. I made sure to have a vegetable- broccoli and garlic but most people just went for the good stuff, or the bad stuff depending on how you look at it. Dessert was homemade chocolate biscotti and watermelon slices sprinkled with lime zest. Limes are falling off the trees here now, so I use them alot in the summer. I juice them and put them in plastic ice cube trays and enjoy fresh lime juice all winter.
The centerpiece was very summery as well. I found these green fuzzy balls in Costco and I surrounded the container with these glass pieces which reminded me of ice cubes. They really made the table come alive.
So I adapted the menu and made the decor very 'outdoor and summer' in feeling, even though we were all very comfortable indoors in with the A/C down low.

Happy 4th!!

2010-07-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

We have been tweaking the blog and trying to make it all flow better, so I hope the dreaded "technical stuff" is behind me now.
It is easier for you to follow me now as it is on the first page. After this the blog should come into your
email automatically.

I am always being asked about my orchid arrangements. The top photo is a classic example of what I like to do. I always incorporate another plant in the arrangement for interest. Frequently I will use Tilansia (2nd photo) because it has a great grass- like feel as well as some additional color. It adds a naturalness to the arrangement. Even when Tilansia is out of bloom, its still a great addition to the orchids. The photo here is from the Bellagio Hotel's outrageous floral display. The mass of Tilansia made it take on a wildflower- like feel. So pretty.

I am really enjoying a new blog that I want to pass along. www.hungrygirl.com They go into all kinds of food related topics-healthy recipes, hidden calorie information, great places to shop for unusual products and so much more. Check it out.
Hope everyone enjoyed the 4th of July...can we really be midway through the summer?
Enjoy it, because its going quickly!

Did it work?

2010-05-25T16:21:00.001-07:00

Have been asked to send a post to see if this has gone through- hope it has- let me know..thanks

Happy Memorial Day Week!

2010-05-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Its the beginning of Memorial Day week- the official start of Summer. Here in Florida, summer started about a month ago with very warm temperatures. It will probably abate when we go out of town or in late October. Its the time of year when I consolidate and replant my orchids. I use the "only the strong survive" theory in repotting. I will lighten up a little because of our very cool winter. Its also the time of year when our entertaining comes inside for the most part, again due to the heat. Last night I did whole chickens on the grill. I stuffed the cavity with lemons that I pierced all over and the lemon lightly permeated the whole bird. Its important to really tie the cavity closed or the lemon steaming doesn't happen. Today, I am making chicken stock. This is the 1st time I roasted all of the bones (which I store in freezer from previous chickens) prior to putting them in the soup pot. The color is a rich dark brown and the house smelled so good! Tonight is Pacific Halibut on the grill. I use a cast iron skillet on the grill and the fish caramelizes ...oh, so good! Thankfully, tomorrow is garbage day! Enjoy the week!

Flowers in Vegas

2010-05-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas was Vegas with wonderful weather for May. The new Encore Hotel and the Wynn, which I had not seen, were truly special. It is easy to see that they (including Bellagio) were all crafted by the same imaginative, creative eye. The bold bolts of color (a display of multicolored umbrellas hanging to catch your eye) in addition to the unique floral displays in each lobby were really amazing. The Bellagio Hotel lobby is still still spectacular with the Dale Chihuly installation adorning the lobby ceiling. It was only outdone by the fabulous seasonal floral display room off the lobby, which was done in "Spring." I am told the room is decked out to celebrate each season. Imagine 20 feet tall watering cans dripping onto luscious beds of massive plantings of spring flowers and olive trees with animal figures made up of pink roses ands bright green moss and I could go on and on, but I would not do it justice. Each property is very different but yet, very much the same in that the floral beauty is a large part of each hotel's "wow factor."
What is happening in the Preakness on Sat? I am staying with my Derby picks- Super Saver and Lookin at Lucky. Super Saver loves the post position so could be that second time is a charm!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND!

2010-05-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

I did pretty well in the Derby picks- I think it was more luck, but I will take it! I only hope luck continues as I go to Las Vegas this weekend.
I held a luncheon for a friend's birthday this week. I decorated the table of 8 with all similar pink flowers in similar clear vases. Nothing was matchy- matchy. It was feminine and springy. In my place card holders I had interesting and funny aging expressions. For instance, 'why do we have to be old to have someone tell us we look so young ?'
We had alot of fun with them. Food was very light & spring-y as well. The shrimp dish had onions, garlic, rice, chives and dill and feta (everything is betta with feta!)and grape tomatos. It turned out to be a perfect choice with a great salad. It is so nice to celebrate 'whatever' with your girlfriends. Woman as a whole, are such caring, sharing & energetic people, how could we not have fun? Throw in some wine, caffeine, dessert and wow, what a luncheon.
I hope your Mother's day is full of the same...lots of love and laughter as well. Enjoy.

Happy Kentucky Derby!!

2010-04-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

This is a party weekend! Decor is so easy and fun. Tiny kids horses with numbers on them for everyone to choose in the betting process. Lots of mint for the ever popular but awful tasting, mint julep! I have had them at the Derby and at many a home, but truth be told, they really do not taste good. I believe people have them strictly for traditions sake...that is fine too. Whatever the weather in Louisville, when the cameras start to televise, the sun starts to shine through whatever clouds existed before...also tradition, just like the red roses the Derby winner is blanketed in when he is christened the winner!
For the long shots I am going with ICE BOX & SUPER SAVER and for the early look at the winner (its Thursday) LOOKIN AT LUCKY(but not a great post position.)
The weather is officially spring everywhere. Enjoy the weekend and the horses!

Happy Wednesday!

2010-04-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

Life has been very busy of late and computer problems have prevented me from talking to you all. I am still working on that.
Who is familiar with the farmers markets find of Romanesco? It is a sculpturally beautiful vegetable which is a combination of cauliflower & broccoli. In addition to the wonderful taste, its beauty would easily allow it to be in a floral arrangement unrefrigerated for the evening. I have steamed it and after it came out of the oven, used good olive oil and salt & pepper- wonderful. I have also mashed it for a smashed potato side -really great. We are at the end of the season since it likes cool weather, but those up north should really seek it out.
Our markets are preparing to close for the hot Florida summers and reopen in Oct. Its very strange but everything it opposite here.
I have to share with you my newest find for those of you interested in remodeling a bath or kitchen. Instead of using costly granite you can use the existing counter material and have it this Aura Stone treatment put on it. You customize/color it and it looks and wears just like granite! It is gorgeous!
Check out www.chicagofaux.com for photos. The contact information for Cindy Federson is on the site. The name of her company is Chicago Institute of Artistic design Finishes.
I will have it more together next week- do you find yourself saying that????? I really will. Talk then!

The Ghost Orchid

2010-04-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

The very rare Ghost Orchid has been spotted at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary here in Naples! It is creating quite a buzz here with cameras going off and photos appearing everywhere. Google it. Its is very special and beautiful.
Post Easter has also been a busy week as well. More family visiting and of course, finding more occasions to celebrate. Life is all about making memories, right? Tell that to my waistline! Since our weather has turned "springlike" (which will not last for long here) I am doing simple foods like salmon and vegetables on the grill and then enjoying the meal outside. Here in Naples, by July we are dining 'inside only' due to the heat, so I am enjoying it now. I love red wine with food, even fish. I just discovered a really nice Cote de Rhone. Chateau de Nages Reserve 2007. Its perfect with our Spring outdoor simple dinners.
My orchids have finally awakened and are in bloom everywhere.

My First Post

2010-04-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

This week has been a busy one - family visiting, grandkids, and lots of entertaining. My brother brought some fantastic Ca. wines( Darioushe) that we enjoyed with lots of different foods. Easter, another holiday that is all about food and candy! I also discovered that my 10 year old grandson is one of the biggest fans of my stix.

Nevertheless, I thought that this would be a good time to start this blog. I recently participated as a vendor in the Naples Botanical Garden Flower Show, and I was thrilled by how many people were starting to recognize my creations. I've branched out this year. In addition to ever more intricate orchid stakes, I've begun a line of what I call napkin twists - check em out here. Or here - here's a picture of a napkin twist wrapped around a candle Perfect for when you candlesticks are a little tired - pretty - isn't it? They are great as bottle toppers for when that bottle of wine isn't quite as special as it should be!

Anyway - what I really wanted to say was that I'm excited to be here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.